I had a speech prepared for Kevin’s celebration of life, however i was too scared to read it…so im gonna post it here :

This is not a speech i thought i would ever have to write. No matter how many times I’ve have redone this over the last couple of weeks, all of it has felt completely wrong.I guess when your nightmare becomes a reality, no words are going to suffice.

The night before Kevin and I went on our final date; Kevin was messing with his Magic cards which i was secretly writing my vows that I was going to read at our wedding. It was going to be a surprise that he would find out the day of.

Kevin was such an amazing dad to our kids. No one can ever argue that fact nor can they compare. I hear his laugh and see his smile in our son. In our sweet bug, I see his gentle eyes and his goofy personality. They truly are mirror images of their dad. Whenever I would tell Kevin this, he would jokingly roll his eyes & say with all of the confidence and sarcasm possible

“Yea…cause im awesome”

Awesome…amazing…my everything in one person.

I’m sure that in true Kevin fashion he was hanging out there watching everything and telling us all to take a shot every time someone cried.

The only thing that feels right to read is the vows i should have been reading to Kevin in 2 months

So Kevin - today I remake a promise that I will always choose you. In this life, the next, and every life after that. I will find you and choose you…over and over. In no way am I without flaws; but you…our kids…you 3 make me strive to be the best possible version of myself. I thank the higher powers every day for bringing us back to one another and here - today - even though it took some detours….this story is finally coming to a happy end.

I vow to love you without reservation or judgement. I promise to take accountability for my wrongdoings and to hold you accountable as well so we can continue to grow not just as a couple…but as people. And if death does take us from one another, I vow to find you in every lifetime.

You are one of the best things to happen to me, Kevin. I love you most. Give Jager puppy a hug for me. Ill look for you in the stars and in our next lifetime 

Memorial video celebrating Kevin’s life

***we do not own any rights to the audio***

Music credit : Alex Warren 

Had a lot of great memories with Kevin. Here are some that come to mind.

I first met Kevin in the 7th grade at burns middle school. Me, Kevin and mitch quickly became great friends. Walked home from school together playing Pokémon, always ate lunch together, and hung out whenever we could. I remember one time we made mitch laugh so hard milk came out his nose. Kevin was always someone that could make us laugh. In high school we use to always meet in the library before school started. We may have been kicked out a few times for laughing too loud.

His first car. I remember when he got it, he picked me and mitch up to take us for a ride. Told us everything he was going to do to fix it up. Then he turned on the AC and what looked like smoke came out the vent (probably just dust). He immediately turned it off. Bro...Na na na trust me it will be good he said.

One time we stopped at a little league baseball game. There was a field open so we went and played baseball with some kids. Kevin wanted to show us his 1 handed baseball swing technique that he swore by. The silly things like that always made him fun to be around.

In 2006 we went to Livestock. A two-day music festival. Kevin was the only one of us smart enough to bring an inflatable mattress. I don’t remember much except for passing out in his tent so we must have had a good time.

First beer. At midnight on his 21st birthday he hit me up to get a beer. He was excited to get one right away. We drove around for a bit trying to find an open bar. Found one, and the first thing he got was a blue moon. I had never heard of that one so it stuck with me. Ever since then any time I see a blue moon it makes me think of him.

Some others that come to mind. Went to his house and he made his dog chase a laser in the back yard. Showed up to my house with Corbin. Hey look what I made. He was so proud. First time going to the Ybor comedy club we saw Doug Stanhope which was interesting…

Last time I saw him was almost 10 years ago. We had dinner at a steak shake. Life took me out of Florida. Joined the army and stuff. Wish I would have kept up more with him. Feels likes one of those sayings .. you don’t know what you got till it’s gone. Life was better when he was around. Never had a bad time. Always fun, laughter, and shenanigans. I will miss him more than he would ever think.

It's a terrible day for rain.

May God wrap you in his arms and welcome you home Kevin. I’m saddened my family didn’t get more time with you. We are so lucky to have an Uncle Kevin to remember in our hearts forever. All our love to the family and his friends.

Love,

Katie, Orion and Callista Sutton

Always in our hearts Kevin.   Rest in the loving arms of God. 

Fam. Vázquez Marrero